How does a dragonfly larvae breathe?

Dragonflies breathe through spiracles (holes) in the abdomen. During their earlier, larval, stage, the insects live in water and breathe through gills. During both stages, Dragonflies exhibit voracious appetites, feeding exclusively on small animal matter.

What are the characteristics of Odonata?

Many characteristics distinguish Odonata from other groups of insects — minute antennae, extremely large eyes (filling most of the head), two pairs of transparent membranous wings with many small veins, a long slender abdomen, an aquatic larval stage (nymph) with posterior tracheal gills, and a prehensile labium ( …

What is the life cycle of a dragonfly?

They have three stages in their life cycle: egg – larva – adult. Adult dragonflies have a long and slender abdomen, two pairs of wings and three pairs of legs. They also have very large eyes. Adult dragonflies live near streams, lakes and ponds.

What are the characteristics of dragonfly?

Distinguishing characteristics and flight behaviour Dragonfly species (Anisoptera) are characterized by long bodies with two narrow pairs of intricately veined, membranous wings that, while generally transparent, may have coloured markings. Unlike damselflies, the front and rear wing pairs are shaped differently.

How do dragonflies respire?

It ‘breathes’ water in and out through its anus. The water passes over the gills. The gills remove oxygen from the water. When trying to escape, dragonfly larva can jet propel themselves through the water by suddenly expelling water in the rectal chamber through their anus.

What is dragonfly larva?

Dragonfly larvae (nymphs) are aquatic, usually drab, with 6 legs, large eyes, and small wing buds on the back of the thorax. Gills are located inside the rectum (unlike those of damselflies, which extend from the hind end like 3 leaflike tails). They breathe by drawing water in and out of their hind end.

What is the economic importance of Odonata?

Economic Importance Most dragonflies and damselflies are regarded as beneficial insects because they feed on small flying insects such as mosquitoes. They may also catch and eat honey bees — then they are regarded as pests by the beekeepers.

Where do larval forms of members of Order Odonata live?

Odonate larvae (nymphs) live in the water, a life stage that can last several years. During this period, the nymphs pull water through their gills to capture oxygen, and their “exhale” helps propel them through the water.

Where do dragonfly larvae live?

Immature dragonflies live in freshwater. They are most abundant an diverse in slow-moving freshwater that has no fish (small streams and ponds) but can be found in many shallow freshwater habitats. Adult dragonflies often stay near water, but sometimes travel away from water while hunting or on migration.

What do dragonfly larvae eat?

Just like their parents, the larvae are fully carnivorous. They are fierce predators of any aquatic animals they can catch. Water insects like water beetles and mosquito larvae; worms; tadpoles; and even small fishes are part of their diet. Dragonfly larvae have a unique way of catching their prey.

How do insects breathe?

(A) Bugs take air in through holes on the outside of their bodies. These holes are called spiracles. (B) An insect can open and close its spiracles. It does this by using certain muscles.